Slang is a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than in writing, and are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.
What slangs are trending in Nigeria?
E Choke:
E choke is one of the popular slangs used in and by Nigerians. It was introduced by popular Afro-pop Nigerian artist Davido. Many use this to express shock or surprise. Others use it as a mockery to opponents, especially when something good happens to them.
We Meuuve:
What started as an imitation of a reality tv show (BBNaija 2020) star when she had a quarrel with her lover, during the show eventually became a popular slang. The star was heard telling her fellow housemate to “meuuve from the door” (move from the door) when the latter was trying to prevent her from leaving the room. The words become better accepted as a motivational phrase and a way of Nigerians saying “life goes on.” Many tirades of woeful stories often end with “… but then, we meuuve!”
Who dey Breeett?
Who dey Breeett? is another slang introduced by Davido that simply means “who is breathing?” in Pidgin English. It can be used to show off or to make haters humble. It is also used to call people’s attention to something beautiful that is ongoing. For example, if someone buys an expensive car, to show off on social media, the person will make a video of the car and comment “who dey breet?” in the caption.
Aza:
This slang means bank account details. If someone asks you to send your “aza”, he means, send your account number.
Wahala be like bicycle:
This popular slang is used when one has or is observing an unpleasant situation.
For example, if someone is walking on an untarred road and a vehicle accidentally splashes water on the passer-by which ensues in a fight, someone observing would say, “wahala be like bicycle”.
Ment:
The original word is ‘mental’. A slang, it is used to question a person’s sanity or to say someone is outright mad. “You dey ment?” Or “All of una don ment.”
Sapa:
Sapa means broke. From a local point of view, it means “the spirit of poverty that accompanies someone who will never become successful in life. So, when someone says to you “Sapa don hold me o” he means I’m broke.
Japa:
This is a Nigerian slang derived from the Yoruba language which simply means ‘to run swiftly’ out of a dangerous situation. If used in a sentence, it would be articulated thus: “His girlfriend told him she was pregnant, that is why the guy japa”. More importantly, it means to emigrate. “I wan japa from Naija o (meaning I want to leave Nigeria).
Chop breakfast/ serve breakfast:
It literally means to have a taste of heartbreak or disappointment. On social media, when someone says “She don chop breakfast” or “She has been served breakfast”, it simply means her heart has been broken.
Sorosoke:
People use this to tell others to speak. This slang became rife during the #EndSars protest in Nigeria in 2020 to speak up against police brutality. Nollywood actress Toyin Afolayan popularly known as Lola Idije introduced this slang.
Most of these slangs are coined from and used in pidgin, one of the most widely spoken languages inside West Africa.
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